Documenting the variation of the JP Sega Mega Drive Model 1

Alright, here goes my first topic...

I noticed that the US Sega Genesis hardware were being documented of how many versions of the Model 1 existed. What I was interested more was in the Japanese Mega Drive model 1 versions. So after doing much research and owning a JP hardware of my own, I finally figured at least most of the variations.

Please excuse the dust that's on my system (didn't realize until the flash) and the wrong date on my pictures (I took them today).

So, here is a Sega Mega Drive model 1 Version 1 (HAA-2510, Japan Only):
http://img248.imageshack.us/img248/6...rontns2.th.jpg

The back side of Version 1 (All JP/Asian model 1 lacks RF and Ch. Switch.):
http://img359.imageshack.us/img359/2...backqv0.th.jpg

The Front Box of Version 1 (Front and back are identical except the back side has the words "MEGA DRIVE" instead of the usual Katakana writing):
http://img229.imageshack.us/img229/5181/mdboxws9.th.jpg

Here is what I figured to be called Version 2 (Japan and Asia Only):
http://img212.imageshack.us/img212/8...401uev2.th.jpg

And finally, here is Version 3 (Asia Only?):
http://img520.imageshack.us/img520/5...asiajt2.th.jpg

Information about Version 1:
After seeing the pictures, I noticed that Version 1 has the ® symbol next to the SEGA logo but, Version 2 and 3 doesn't. Since I own the Version 1 hardware, I can confirm that this one does not have the TMSS boot up screen.

Infact, I can also confirm that Version 1 is indeed the Mega Drive early version because if you played early Genesis/Mega Drive games, you'll see that the Sega logo has the ® symbol as well but, not the ones by 1991. I think Sega discontinued the ® symbol in early 1991. After that, the US/EU Sega logo had a TM symbol but, the Japanese logo didn't have a symbol at all.

Here are two closeups of the Sega logo on the system and box of Version 1.
http://img338.imageshack.us/img338/4...seupjh1.th.jpg
http://img265.imageshack.us/img265/6...aboxgm7.th.jpg

It makes me wonder why Sega discontinued the use of that symbol...

It should also be worth noting that the ring on the front of the system Version 1 says:
"AV Intelligent Terminal High Grade Multipurpose Use"

Now onto Version 2:
This one seems to be around 1991 or 1992 and you should notice that the Sega logo now lacks the symbol but other than that, the cosmetic features are identical. The text around the ring is still present. This one also has the EXT port, like in Version 1. The box that Version 2 is packaged is written in Japanese and English and has a note that this system is the Asian version that were on sale throughout Japan, Taiwan and The Philippines. It also advertises the Mega Modem and the Mega CD on the back of the box. Since Version 2 is around 1991 or 1992 (because of the Mega CD Ad, I believe this one has the TMSS present. I may be wrong, but this was the time when Sega started implementing their TMSS on their systems.

For more info and pictures of the box of Version 2, there available at:
http://segagagadomain.com/hardware-m...rive-asian.htm

Finally Version 3:
I have so little to say about this one. I heard that this one outputs in PAL and was available from Asia but, I couldn't find any other information. First, there's no symbol on the Sega logo (like in Version 2) however, this also lack the ring text that was present in Version 1 and 2! I also haven't confirm if this one has the EXT port present or not. And I don't know about you guys but, the "Mega Drive SEGA" text alignment at the bottom right seems out of place to me...


So that's about everything that I can think of to distinguish the different versions of the Mega Drive model 1. I hope this would be useful for people who considers buying the MD JP hardware.

interesting topic, I'll have to read this over in detail, I've always wanted to know the differences between the various Mega Drive / Genesis models.

I'm interested in finding out if there are any model numbers of the original japanese Megadrive that output clear static-free audio.

Of course there are. Any pre-TMSS will (just like with the Genesis), as likely will any TMSS unit with the EXT jack. Basically, if it has an EXT jack, you should be OK (just like with the Genesis).

Boards VA0 to VA4 don't have TMSS screen, all have EXT port. Later models (VA5...VA8) show TMSS and VA5 (and maybe few laters) have place for EXT connector. VA0...VA2 are common in Japan AFAIK. You can see that VA only when you look into the machine.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Black_Tiger

I'm interested in finding out if there are any model numbers of the original japanese Megadrive that output clear static-free audio.

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My Version 1 Mega Drive has audio that sounds exactly like my Pre-TMSS Genesis. Like Joe said, it could just be the EXT port that is present.

I have a JP MD2 and like every other Model 2 that exist, the sound is pretty bad. Super League sounds so scratchy on the MD2 but, it's clear on model 1 hardware.

Someday, I'll see if I could get the other versions. Right now, I was just focusing on their appearance to see the differences of versions that exist.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Joe Redifer

Of course there are. Any pre-TMSS will (just like with the Genesis), as likely will any TMSS unit with the EXT jack. Basically, if it has an EXT jack, you should be OK (just like with the Genesis).

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I have a Model No. HAA-2510 which as an ext jack but it still makes that buzzing sound.

Is the HAA-2510 definetely japan only?

I recently acquired one that had been fitted with an internal RF socket (the rf lead fed through the hole that the PBC screws into). The cart lock has also been removed so I think its an old school import job.

However, its def outputing PAL 50Hz. I can tell from the slow music and big black borders. I'd like to revert it back to 60Hz, but I need to know if it was originally 60Hz or whether its a PAL Asian model.